Passing the Mug: Coffee Club Leadership Brews a New Chapter at DU

For many students, coffee is simply a way to wake up before class. For members of the University of Denver’s Coffee Club, however, it is much more than that. Coffee has become a way to build friendships, create community, and connect with other students who share a common interest.

As the academic year comes to a close, the club is also experiencing an important transition. Sophomore Nick Allen is stepping down as president and passing leadership to first-year student Savannah, who is preparing to guide the organization into its next chapter.

Allen described Coffee Club as one of the most meaningful communities he found during his time at DU. A self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, he said the club gave him a place to gather with friends every week while also meeting new people.

“Coffee Club to me was a great community-building club,” Allen said. “I really love coffee, the drink, and so being able to go somewhere every Sunday and just talk to my friends and meet new people was a great way and a different way to experience DU.”

As president, Allen took on a variety of responsibilities. He organized weekly meetings, recruited guest presenters, and helped expand the club’s membership. During meetings, members would learn about coffee, discuss brewing methods, and, of course, drink plenty of coffee together.

Allen said one of the most rewarding parts of his experience was helping build the club from the beginning. Having been involved since its early stages, leaving his leadership position is bittersweet.

“I was kind of there at ground zero,” Allen said. “So it’s a little bit sad to see the leadership change.”

Despite that feeling, Allen is confident the organization is in good hands. He has worked closely with Savannah and believes her enthusiasm and dedication will help the club continue to grow.

“She seems like she’s very passionate about it as well,” Allen said. “At least it’s being handed over to somebody who’s going to approach it with the same professionalism and passion.”

Savannah, a first-year student double majoring in psychology and Spanish, said she is excited to take over the role. Her love of coffee and desire to connect with others made the opportunity a natural fit.

“I’m so stoked,” Savannah said. “I love coffee. I always have loved coffee.”

While becoming president may seem intimidating for some students, Savannah said she feels prepared thanks to leadership experience she gained in other organizations throughout the year.

“I think I’m ready,” she said. “I’ve been taking on some leadership this year in some other clubs, and I really liked it.”

Savannah believes her passion for coffee will help make the transition smooth.

“I really like coffee and I like talking to people about coffee,” she said. “I think it’ll be easy and fun.”

Looking ahead, Savannah already has plans for recruiting new members. She hopes to connect with incoming freshmen and introduce them to the club early in their college experience.

“I think I’m going to start reaching out to some incoming freshmen,” she said. “I’ve already been talking to anyone who has a coffee hat, shirt, anything.”

One of Savannah’s favorite memories from Coffee Club highlights the flexibility and community spirit that define the organization. During one meeting last year, the club discovered that its room had been double-booked. Instead of canceling, members moved the meeting outdoors.

“We had it outside because the room was booked,” Savannah recalled. “We had snacks, and my friend Coco was presenting too. Good time.”

As Coffee Club prepares for another year, both leaders agree that the club is about much more than coffee itself. Through weekly gatherings, shared conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere, the organization has become a place where students can form meaningful connections. Eliza, a member of the club, said that sense of community is what makes the organization special. “Coffee Club has always been a really welcoming space where people can connect over a shared interest,” she said. “Whether you’re really into coffee or just looking to meet new people, everyone feels included.” She said she is excited to see the club continue to grow under Savannah’s leadership and hopes it remains a place where students can build friendships and explore their shared love of coffee.

For Allen, watching the club continue after his departure is both nostalgic and rewarding. For Savannah, the opportunity to lead represents an exciting new challenge. Together, their transition reflects the way student organizations continue to grow as new leaders step forward and carry on the traditions built by those before them.